There are three classification levels. During training, students will be required to complete a set of fundamental diving skills at each level before progressing to the next. Upon successful completion, students will receive a certification corresponding to their achieved classificaton level. All training must be conducted with either a Classified Dive Buddy or a Classified Dive Professional.

*Please note that the skills listed below are not the only skills required to complete the course but rather a guideline to determine classification level. Students may complete the following skills with assistance from a Classified Dive Buddy or a Classified Dive Professional.

Classification Level 1:

• Putting on a scuba unit
• Buoyancy and weight system adjustment
• Water entries
• Buoyancy check 
• Neutral buoyancy
• Removing and replacing the scuba unit
• Removing and replacing the weight system
• Deepwater exit
• Scuba unit disassembly
• Equipment care

 Classification Level 2:

• Student water fitness evaluation
• Snorkeling skills
• Fin techniques
• Free descent
• Safety stop
• Surface swim 25 meters
• Emergency swimming ascent
• Emergency buoyancy ascent
• Air Sharing ascent
• Disconnecting and reconnecting the inflator hose
• Delayed surface marker buoy deployment

Classification Level 3:

• Controlled ascent
• Controlled descent
• Mask clearing
• Mask removal and replacement
• No mask swim
• Regulator retrieval and clearing
• Stationary air sharing

Corresponding Certification for Each Classification Level:

• Level 1 – Must dive with a certified Classified Dive Buddy
• Level 2 – Must dive with two (2) certified Classified Dive Buddies
• Level 3 – Must dive with two (2) certified Classified Dive Buddies and one (1) Classified Dive Professional

This course includes the use of our rental equipment (BCD, Regulator, Weights, Cylinders, and Wetsuit), but you are required to purchase the essential equipment listed below:

• Mask
• Snorkel
• Fins
• Hood
• Boots
• Gloves
• 2 Mouthpieces
• A Dive Computer

We recommend purchasing your equipment at Aquatic Specialties so we can personally fit the equipment to you and your body type. We have many different brands, styles, and sizes, and having equipment that fits well will enhance your performance in the water and make your dive experience more enjoyable! We offer our students a 10% discount* on any required equipment that is purchased while actively enrolled in a course! Every customer matters and your support of your local dive shop is the backbone to our success. Your patronage motivates us to keep improving, and allows us to be able to provide you with the services that we do today - together, we will dive into great things!

*Some restrictions apply on select products

Please Note: Students are responsible for picking up, transporting, and returning their own rental equipment. If transport is needed on our part, an additional surcharge may apply.

To ensure a safe, successful, and enjoyable dive experience, we ask that all students take the following responsibilities seriously throughout the course:

GEAR TRANSPORTATION

Students are responsible for transporting their own personal equipment and rental equipment to and from each class and dive session. If you are unable to do so, we may be able to assist with transport for an additional surcharge. Please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements.

PUNCTUALITY & ATTENDANCE

Arrive on time for all sessions. Diving requires structure and safety protocols - late arrivals may miss important briefings and could be asked to reschedule at an added cost. Full attendance is required for certification.

PRE-COURSE STUDY

If your course includes eLearning or textbook materials, they must be completed before your first in-person session. This ensures you understand the theory and can focus on skills during practical training.

MINDSET & FOCUS

Stay attentive and engaged throughout the course. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and support your fellow divers. Please be mindful that this is a classroom setting and we are all here to learn together. If you would like a private class, please contact the shop for more information. Teamwork is a key part of the experience!

MEDICAL & PHYSICAL READINESS

You must complete a medical questionnaire prior to starting the course. If any answers indicate a potential condition, a physician's clearance may be required. Being comfortable in the water and in reasonably good health is essential for completion of the prerequisites of this course.

COMMUNICATION

Keep in touch with us if anything changes - whether it is scheduling conflicts, health concerns, or gear issues. We are here to help, and clear communication ensures a smoother experience for everyone!

Need help preparing or have questions? Reach out to our team at any time - we are here to support you at every step of your diving journey!

The course fee ($800) includes the following:

• Digital learning material, course registration, and certification fees for SSI
  • Lifetime access to SSI's digital learning material, digital logbook, digital certification cards, dive tables, and more

• 3 in-person (or virtual) classroom sessions 
  • Students must complete the online material prior to attending
  • Allows students to ask questions in real-time and engage more directly with the subject matter
  • Develop a genuine connection with your classmates and instructor
  • Facilitates collaborative work and learning

• 3 Pool/confined water sessions
  • Hands on learning where you will apply what you learned in class while in the safety of our on-site, heated pool

• 4 Open Water Dives
  • Typically we do two dives on Saturday and two dives on Sunday the following weekend after your last pool session (This does not apply to Winter students)

• Access to our rental gear
  • BCD, cylinder, weights, wetsuit, and regulator